Sydney FC makes Leichhardt Oval a new home in 2019

Sports fans in the Inner West have scored a big win with news that Sydney FC will be playing two A-League home games at iconic Leichhardt Oval next year.

The three times A-League champions have chosen Leichhardt Oval to be their one of their new home grounds, while the Sydney Football Stadium is being knocked down and rebuilt.

“To have a prestigious and internationally recognised club like Sydney FC based out of Leichhardt Oval is awesome,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

“Leichhardt Oval is and always will be a spiritual home of Wests Tigers, but there's no reason we can't paint Leichhardt sky blue, too.

“We have been negotiating closely with the Club to make this happen and want to see more A-League, FFA Cup and AFC Champions League games come to our famous ground in the future.

“We are looking forward to the 8th Wonder of the World becoming a fortress for Sydney FC!”

Mayor Darcy Byrne said Council had spent $1.3 million over the past three years and has another $1.2 million budgeted over the next two years in capital investment on top of ongoing expenditure to keep the Leichhardt Oval’s pitch in tip-top condition.

“With all the investment we have made in improving Leichhardt Oval over the past few years, the playing surface is in excellent condition and is ready to host first-class football,” he added.

Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend said he was really looking forward to Sunday afternoon football at Leichhardt Oval.

“It’s fantastic news for the people of the Inner West and surrounding suburbs that we’ve been allocated these games Leichhardt Oval and I’m excited to be taking our matches to one of our most supportive communities,” said Townsend.

“We plan to make every game a fantastic experience for the family and for those who want a great night out.

“We’ll be turning the ground and the surrounding areas Sky Blue and we will be doing everything possible to ensure our game day and atmosphere has that Sydney FC look and feel to it.

“We have always been well supported and engaged with the people of the Inner West and over the coming seasons I hope they take advantage of this fabulous opportunity to come and support us.”

Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica said he was delighted with the decision to play games out of Leichhardt Oval.

“We are looking forward to the experience of playing more games in suburban grounds and taking matches to our community and I hope they will turnout in big numbers to support us.

“I think playing at the more enclosed stadiums [like Leichhardt Oval] will provide for an excellent atmosphere and will work to our advantage, while the hosting of our bigger derby fixtures at the SCG will be a new and fantastic experience in which we will thrive.”

Sydney FC is scheduled to take on the Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval on 17 February. The Sky Blues then return to the historic Inner West ground two rounds later to take on Adelaide United on March 1.

The club has also confirmed it will play seven A-League fixtures at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval and four matches at the SCG next season.